3Xing Ren - Abrikozenpit - Sperma Armeniacae Amarum

Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel) is a slightly warm, bitter herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for its ability to stop cough, calm wheezing, and moisten the intestines. It is derived from the seed of the apricot tree and is highly valued for respiratory conditions involving both excess and deficiency patterns. Xing Ren is a key herb in formulas for cough with or without phlegm, asthma, and bronchitis. In addition to its respiratory benefits, it gently lubricates the intestines to relieve constipation, especially in cases of dryness.

Functies en voordelen

Stops Cough and Calms Wheezing
Directs rebellious Lung Qi downward, easing coughing and shortness of breath. Effective for both acute and chronic cough, whether due to heat, cold, or deficiency when used in the appropriate combination.

Bevochtigt de darmen en verlicht constipatie
Gently lubricates the bowels in cases of dryness-related constipation, particularly useful for elderly or post-illness recovery.

Relieves Throat Irritation
Reduces dryness and irritation in the throat caused by chronic coughing or dryness in the Lungs.

Versatile in Respiratory Patterns
Suitable for cough and wheezing from external wind-cold, wind-heat, or internal deficiency when combined with the right herbs.

Indicaties (wie kan er baat bij hebben?)
✔ Individuals with acute or chronic cough, asthma, or bronchitis.
✔ People with dry stools or constipation caused by fluid deficiency.
✔ Those with throat dryness or hoarseness from prolonged coughing.
✔ Patients recovering from respiratory illness with lingering cough.

Diagnose van tong en pols in TCM
Tongue: May vary depending on cause — pale with thin coating in deficiency, red with yellow coating in heat patterns.
Pulse: May be floating in external patterns, rapid in heat patterns, or weak in deficiency patterns.

Verwante TCM-patronen
Lung Qi Rebellion – Causes cough, asthma, and wheezing.
Dryness in the Intestines – Leads to constipation with dry stools.
Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat Invasion – Produces acute cough and throat irritation.

Klinische toepassingen (alleen ter referentie)
Cough and Wheezing – Directs Lung Qi downward and relieves breathlessness.
Bronchitis and Asthma – Reduces severity of coughing fits and improves airflow.
Dry Constipation – Moistens intestines for gentle relief.
Throat Dryness – Soothes irritation from prolonged coughing.

Common Herbal Formulas with Xing Ren
Often combined with Ma Huang for wind-cold cough, or with Sang Ye and Ju Hua for wind-heat cough. Paired with Huo Ma Ren for dry constipation.

Voorzorgsmaatregelen en contra-indicaties
Avoid excessive dosage due to mild toxicity.
Not suitable for chronic diarrhea or loose stools.
Use with caution in infants and during pregnancy.

Aanbevelingen voor levensstijl en dieet
✔ Drink warm, soothing teas to keep the throat moist.
✔ Avoid excessive spicy, dry, or fried foods that irritate the Lungs.
✔ Maintain indoor humidity in dry climates to support Lung health.
✔ Eat moistening foods such as pears, honey, and cooked root vegetables to help dryness.

Conclusie
Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel) is a key TCM herb for stopping cough, calming wheezing, and moistening the intestines. Its gentle yet effective action makes it suitable for a wide range of respiratory conditions and for relieving dryness-related constipation.